How San Diego Sellers Can Prepare for the Home Inspection

Home inspection—two simple words that could make or break your real estate deal. That may sound dramatic, but it’s true.

The majority of San Diego real estate transactions include a contingency based on the results of the home inspection. That means if the report turns up something the buyer doesn’t like they can renegotiate the deal or walk away from it completely.

So, when you accept an offer on your San Diego house, hold off on the celebration and start preparing for the home inspection.

What will the inspector look at?

Everything. A home inspection is not a quick process. The National Association of Home Inspectors has a checklist with 1,600 points on it. A good inspector is going to inspect everything that they can access.

Here are some areas that you should be aware they are looking:

Major systems – This includes your electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. The inspector is going to make sure that the water has the right pressure, maintains the right temperature, and that the drains drain like they should. The inspector will look at the electrical panel to check for any problems along with looking at the outlets and light switches throughout the San Diego house. They will also check the HVAC system to check the age and verify that everything is in working order.

Structure – The foundation will be checked for any problems with the foundation or doors and windows that are out-of-plumb.

Exterior – The exterior of the house will be checked for things like cracked siding, cracks, paint that is flaking off, and the clearing between exterior siding and the ground.

Interior – Rooms will be checked for water damage on the ceiling from current or past leaks, insulation in the attic will be verified as well. Windows, doors, and trim will be inspected for things like rotting frames, broken panes, and missing or peeling caulk.

Roof – Any damage to the shingles or room will be noted in the home inspection report. Flashing, fascia, gutters, skylights, and the chimney will also be inspected.

What you need to do to prepare

The best way to prepare is to do any maintenance or repair that needs to be completed before putting your house on the San Diego market. Before the inspector comes do the following things to prepare:

Gather your paperwork – Make a file with any receipts or documentation on maintenance, repairs, or work that you have had done on the San Diego house. You want to prove that things have been maintained and completed properly.

Clean and de-clutter the house – Everything looks better when it’s clean so it helps to clean and de-clutter the San Diego house. However, the inspector is going to look past how clean your house is to all the other aspects of it. Make sure that you make it easy for the inspector to reach the areas they need to look.

Make sure they have access – Before you leave the house for the inspection make sure that the inspector will have access to the different areas of the house. Unlock or provide a key for any areas that are locked.

Most home inspections are going to turn up something negative because inspectors are covering everything in the San Diego house. However, most buyer’s agents will work with their buyer to push the deal towards closing unless there are major issues that need to be addressed.

If the buyer does come back to renegotiate, remember that it’s not personal. They might request you to make a repair, replace something, or lower the price. Enlist the help of your real estate agent to finalize the negotiations.